Latest news with #KudumbashreeDistrictMission
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
School Cafe project gains ground in schools in Kerala's Kannur with low-cost meals and study support
The Kudumbashree-run Scoofe (School Cafe) project, which serves affordable meals and offers study support to school students is gaining rapid popularity across Kannur district of Kerala. Following the success of the first Scoofe at Kannadiparmba Government Higher Secondary School, the initiative is being expanded to all schools in Kannur. Launched by the Kudumbashree District Mission and the District Panchayat, Scoofes provide meals, snacks, beverages, books and study materials within the school premises. The initiative, which began with 25 schools in 2022-23 using ₹36.5 lakh, expanded to 30 more schools in 2023-24 with an allocation of ₹40 lakh. For the years 2024-25 and 2025-26, ₹20 lakh and ₹10 lakh respectively have been earmaked for further expansion. Currently, 62 schools host Scoofes, including Aralam High school, under the Tribal Special project. Operating from 9.30 a.m to 5p.m, Scoofes serve lunch dishes such meals biryani, kuzhimanthi and chapathi and snacks such as tea, coffee and lime juice during breaks. The initiative aims to keep students within campus grounds, thereby minimising their exposure to external influences, including the drug mafia. Each Scoofe is managed by two women's neighbourhood groups, providing both employment and entrepreneurship opportunities. Their ability to offer hygienic and tasty food at low cost has drawn not just students and teachers, but also locals. Encouraged by the district's success, the Kudumbashree State Mission is now planning to scale up the project across Kerala under the banner 'Ma Care'.
The Hindu
04-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Kasaragod schools launch ‘Ma Care' centres for student well-being
The Kasaragod District Kudumbashree Mission has launched 'Ma Care' centres in schools to provide maternal-like care for students during school hours. Claimed to be the first-of-its-kind initiative in the State, the project, implemented in collaboration with the Education department, aims to address concerns related to student diet, safety, and general well-being. The centres have been set within school premises to ensure students do not leave the campus for essential needs. Functioning from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Ma Care outlets provide nutritious snacks, sanitary napkins and stationery items at prices lower than market rates. An official said the initiative is intended to curb the consumption of unhealthy foods and discourage students from accessing intoxicants from outside vendors. Sixteen schools in the district currently host these centres, with plans to expand to high schools and higher secondary schools Statewide from July. The concept has received strong positive feedback, prompting the Kudumbashree Mission and the Education department to consider Statewide implementation. 'The initiative ensures students receive the same care and attention as they would at home,' said Kudumbashree District Mission coordinator K. Ratheesh Kumar.
The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Second phase of cancer awareness campaign launched in Alappuzha
The Health department has launched the second phase of the Arogyam, Anandam - Keep Cancer Away campaign in Alappuzha. It was inaugurated by H. Salam, MLA, in a function held at SD College, Alappuzha, on Thursday. Officials said the aim of the second phase was to detect and prevent oral cancer and colon cancer in men at an early stage. The Health department launched the campaign in Alappuzha on World Cancer Day on February 4. The first phase was aimed at strengthening awareness and screening for breast cancer and cervical cancer, which specifically affects women. It targeted women in the 30-65 age group. The department aims to ensure that as many men as possible undergo screening to facilitate early detection and treatment. Officials said those diagnosed with the disease would receive treatment at Government Medical College Hospital, district/general hospitals, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, and so on in accordance with established guidelines. SD College Principal V.R. Prabhakaran Nair presided. District Medical Officer Jamuna Varghese, Kudumbashree District Mission coordinator S. Renjith and others attended.
New Indian Express
02-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Kerala school curriculum opens up to umbrella brand's tale of tenacity
KANNUR: This academic year, Class 10 students in the state will learn more than just grammar and literature as part of their English curriculum: They'll also discover a remarkable story of resilience and self-reliance from the tribal heartland of Aralam. The new syllabus includes the inspiring tale of Aadhi, the first umbrella brand developed by an indigenous community in the country, through the Kudumbashree Mission. It tells the saga of Kudumbashree in Aralam and how it became a lifeline for the local tribal population. Central to the narrative is the Aadhi umbrella manufacturing unit, a shining example of what grassroots empowerment can achieve. Launched in 2021 by the Kudumbashree District Mission, the project was designed to support families in the Aralam Farm Scheduled Tribes Rehabilitation Area, many of whom relied solely on MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) jobs for survival. The aim was to create an additional, sustainable source of income and, in doing so, uplift an entire community. The venture began modestly, with intensive umbrella-making training provided to 28 tribal women under the leadership of the Kudumbashree Kannur team. Equipped with umbrella-making kits, they formed two micro-enterprise units named Nila and Lotus, registering them under the Kudumbashree CDS. From these humble beginnings, the initiative has grown into a thriving business with 40 women on board and an annual turnover of Rs 30 lakh.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- General
- The Hindu
Gender seminar at Ente Keralam stresses on need for shift in mindset at family-level
Changing gender attitudes must begin at home and awareness programmes on women's contributions in family should not be given to them alone, but should be extended to broader society, said gender expert T.K. Anandi. She was delivering a keynote address at a seminar 'Kudumbashree's Interventions for Gender Equality: Possibilities' held as part of the Ente Keralam Exhibition in Thrissur on Wednesday. Dr. Anandi emphasised the need to move away from the current norm of limiting gender awareness programmes to women. 'True equality begins when the next generation is raised with fairness and democracy in the household,' she said. She criticised the unscientific beliefs and superstitions often passed down through generations and stressed the importance of instilling scientific temper among women. Kudumbashree workers, she said, have a crucial role in this transformation. United stand Calling for a united stand against dowry and extravagant weddings, Dr. Anandi praised Kudumbashree members for breaking stereotypes, 'Kudumbashree has proven that women are not incapable of hard work—that they are capable change makers.' The seminar was presided over by Kudumbashree District Mission coordinator U. Salil and inaugurated by Thrissur district panchayat vice-president Latha Chandran. Rhythm Band by a group of differently-abled children stole hearts at the Ente Keralam venue with a stunning display of music and dance. Triumphing over challenges through art, these young performers proved that joy and expression know no boundaries. 'Anuyathra Rhythm' The event, titled 'Anuyathra Rhythm,' was organised under the joint initiative of the District Social Justice department and the Kerala Social Security Mission's State Initiative on Disabilities (SID). Social Justice and Higher Education Minister R. Bindu felicitated the artistes, praising their courage and creativity. Performers from across the districts graced the stage with vibrant cultural displays. The artistes were selected through the Talent Fest for Youth with Disabilities screening process, specifically from the category of individuals with more than 40% disabilities.
